Subjects
Courses
Colleges and Institutes
- English
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Thai

Vanessa Cheung

Profession

BA Fashion Design: Womenswear student

College

Central Saint Martins

Person Type

Student

Biography

Vanessa Cheung is from Hong Kong and is a second year student on BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Womenswear, at Central Saint Martins.

Interview

Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Fashion Design: Womenswear at Central Saint Martins?

I wanted to study fashion design since a very young age and because CSM is such a prestigious university, I naturally wanted to study here. I remember watching videos of famous alumni talking about how great CSM is as an institution, especially for those wanting to step into the fashion industry.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?

Honestly, every single project that has been given to us has been so interesting because we have the freedom to take it any direction we want. My first design project at CSM, the ‘White Project’, meant a lot to me because it was the first time I was able to, not only draw designs, but have the support to make it become a real wearable garment. It was my first-time pattern cutting and sewing but with the encouragement of my tutors, I overcame my fears of construction. It felt amazing to come into the design crit and see everyone else’s work for the first time as well.

I believe my final collection next year will definitely be my most interesting project as we are allowed to choose our own direction and fully dive deep into the project for a whole year. Look out for updates of my upcoming collection in the coming year on my Instagram/Tiktok!

Have you completed any work placements whilst being on the course?

I’m currently on the placement year right now! Prior to this, I haven’t really had the chance to intern for other fashion brands, so I was very nervous. I was deciding between either moving to Paris or New York. I ultimately chose New York because it was my dream to experience living in NYC. This experience has been one of my happiest and best moments in my life. The work-life balance is great, so I am able to explore the city to its fullest whilst experiencing the American approach to the fashion industry. Everyone at work are the friendliest and kindest souls I have ever met - they offer me so much support and are willing to mentor me every day. They encourage me to experience every part of their design process, from research to development to outcome, which not many brands are willing to do. It is definitely a design intern’s dream to be able to immerse themselves in every part of the process. I would definitely recommend taking this placement year, it will not only help you grow in skill and confidence but also help you understand what goes on behind the scenes in a brand.

What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?

Follow your heart in everything you do, be confident in your art and always strive for more.

What has been the highlight of your Central Saint Martins experience?

During my Second Year, we received a project from Canada Goose where we took their warranty coats and recreated them into new garments that taught about sustainability. It was a group project between Womenswear and Fashion Communication and Promotion students. Our project ended up winning first place because it had a good storytelling aspect in both the design and communication. I was ecstatic to achieve this prize with my friends and it will forever be one of my favourite memories and projects at CSM.

What are your career aspirations?

My greatest dream would be owning my own brand and see others wearing my designs. I have been very lucky to have opportunities such as creating custom garments for clients and have named artists wear my garments. I would like to see my own brand grow, as I grow as a designer and hopefully in 5 years I will be able to show my designs to a larger audience and open even more doors of opportunities.

What is the most important thing you learnt on the course?

I learnt not to compare myself to anyone else on the course. It’s really hard to control and train yourself to stop in such a prestigious university where everyone is outstanding at what they do, but I realised that everyone is on the course for a reason. Every person is talented in their own way and has their own strengths and weaknesses. I spend so much time thinking whether I am good enough or if I work hard enough to be on this course, but my friends and family always remind me that I am here because I am extremely hard-working and talented. It’s definitely hard to avoid these thoughts when you are surrounded by the most talented bunch of people on earth. If you are at CSM, you definitely deserve this spot on the course, so never doubt yourself! It takes a while to get there mentally, but when you do, it feels amazing.

Vanessa Cheung

Biography

Interview

Links

Central Saint Martins

Contact

Address